Everything travelers actually ask about Andaman ferries, answered in one place — booking, prices, schedules, operators, foreigner rules, cancellations, and what the crossing is like. If you’re planning to island-hop between Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil, start here.
Can’t find your question? The fastest way to compare operators, fares, and timings — and confirm foreign-passport booking — is on BookYourFerry. For machine-readable operator, route, and fare data, see our open Andaman ferry dataset.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book an Andaman ferry?
Book online in advance through a ferry booking platform, the operator’s own site, or a local agent. Pick your route and date, choose an operator and class, enter passenger details, and pay. You’ll get an e-ticket — carry a printout plus matching photo ID. For the full process, see our Andaman ferry booking guide.
How far in advance should I book an Andaman ferry?
For peak season (October to May), book 2 to 4 weeks ahead. Morning departures and the cheapest classes sell out first. Off-season you can often book a few days out, but monsoon weather (June to September) can cancel sailings, so keep a buffer day before any onward flight.
Can I book Andaman ferries on arrival?
You can try, but it’s risky in peak season when ferries sell out. Counter tickets at Haddo Jetty depend on last-minute availability, which is thin during busy months. Booking online ahead of time is the only reliable way to lock in a morning crossing.
What ID do I need to board an Andaman ferry?
A government photo ID that matches the name on your ticket — Aadhaar, passport, driving licence, or voter ID for Indian nationals. Foreign nationals must carry their passport. Names must match exactly, so book using the name on the ID you’ll travel with.
How much does the Andaman ferry cost?
Private totals depend on the sailing, class, fees and discounts. Older fare tables are historical references, not quotes; current government tourist prices and fee inclusions require DSS/STARS confirmation. See the fare guide and compare the selected checkout total.
What’s the cheapest Andaman ferry?
No operator is guaranteed cheapest. Compare the final totals of available classes for the same route and date. Obtain a current tourist quote directly from DSS/STARS if considering a government sailing.
Are there extra charges on top of the ferry fare?
BYF private checkout adds a Rs 50 Port Service Fee per passenger, per leg, levied by the Port Authority. Configured fuel surcharges are Makruzz Rs 325, Nautika Rs 325 and Green Ocean Rs 300, with no separate ITT Majestic fuel surcharge. Check the final total and discounts; this does not verify GST inclusion or pricing on other sales channels.
Can I pay for the ferry onboard or only online?
Private ferries are booked and paid for in advance, online or through an agent — there’s no pay-onboard option. Government ferry tickets are sold through their counter and the STARS portal, also before travel.
How long is the ferry from Port Blair to Havelock?
About 90 minutes on a fast catamaran (Makruzz, Nautika, ITT Majestic). Green Ocean takes 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes because it cruises slower. Journey length does not establish medical suitability.
How many ferries run per day in Andaman?
Frequency varies by date. A feed snapshot for 15 October 2026 returned 12 direct private departures from Port Blair to Havelock, with many morning options. Fewer ran on the Havelock to Port Blair leg. Check the live ferry schedule for your exact date.
What time is the first and last Andaman ferry?
The earliest departures leave Haddo Jetty around 6:00 AM, and the last useful sailings to Havelock go early afternoon. Times shift seasonally, so verify before you travel. Morning ferries hit the calmest seas and are the safer choice for tight flight connections.
Can I reach Havelock the same day I land in Port Blair?
Yes, if your flight lands by about 11:00 AM. That leaves time for airport formalities, the transfer to Haddo Jetty, and an afternoon ferry. Land after roughly 1:00 PM and you’ll likely overnight in Port Blair — see how to reach Havelock for timing details.
Which ferry is best in Andaman?
Compare the available departure, final price, cabin and ticket conditions. This guide does not have audited reliability data that establishes one operator as universally best.
What are the Andaman ferry classes?
Each operator names them differently — Economy, Premium, Deluxe, Luxury, Royal, Business. Higher classes generally mean upper-deck seats, more space, and better views. Only Makruzz Royal includes food. See our guide to Andaman ferry classes for what each actually gets you.
Is food included on the Andaman ferry?
Confirm refreshment inclusions for the selected vessel and class before booking. Current meal entitlements, cafeteria availability and catering arrangements are not verified consistently enough here to promise complimentary food or a named caterer.
Do any Andaman ferries have an open deck?
Only Green Ocean 1. It’s the single Andaman ferry where passengers can step outside for fresh air and open views — and the open deck sometimes turns into a DJ party. Every other ferry, including Nautika and Makruzz, is fully enclosed and air-conditioned.
Can foreigners book Andaman ferries online?
Not always directly. Several private operators don’t allow direct online booking for foreign passports, so you may need to book through a local agent or a platform that handles foreign-national bookings. Sort this before you arrive rather than at the jetty.
Do foreigners need a permit for the Andaman ferries?
Foreign nationals no longer need the old Restricted Area Permit for most tourist islands including Havelock and Neil, but rules change — verify current requirements before travel. You’ll still need your passport to book and board every ferry.
Can I cancel or change my Andaman ferry ticket?
Policies vary by operator. Most allow cancellation with a fee if done well before departure, and changes are sometimes possible subject to availability. Refund amounts shrink closer to sailing. Check the current ferry cancellation and refund policy and the specific operator’s terms at booking — don’t assume flexibility.
What happens if the Andaman ferry is cancelled due to weather?
For BYF bookings, our published cancellation policy offers a full refund including fees or free rescheduling when the operator cancels for weather or technical reasons. Confirm processing time and replacement availability with support. Operator-direct bookings follow their own terms. Leave buffer time before flights.
Are Andaman ferries safe?
Yes. The private catamarans are modern, well-maintained vessels operating a routine 90-minute crossing daily. Seas are calmest in the morning. Monsoon sailings can be choppy and are sometimes cancelled for safety, which is the system working as intended.
Is there air conditioning on Andaman ferries?
Yes, every private ferry is air-conditioned. It runs cool but manageable — bring a light layer and you’ll be comfortable, but you won’t be freezing. Don’t believe descriptions of “Arctic” AC; it’s a comfortable cabin temperature for a 90-minute ride.
How much luggage can I bring on the ferry?
Each operator sets its own baggage allowance, generally enough for normal travel luggage with limits on excess weight. Oversized or excess bags may incur a charge. Pack a small day bag for the crossing and keep valuables with you rather than in checked luggage.
Which Andaman ferry is better for seasickness?
No operator is guaranteed best for motion sickness. Conditions and individual sensitivity vary. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about precautions and any medicine, and follow crew instructions.